QMI Agency

MONTREAL -- Hockey legend Guy Lafleur has mended fences with the Montreal Canadiens and has extended his contract as goodwill ambassador for the franchise he led to five Stanley Cups.

Lafleur told a Montreal sports radio show he has signed a deal and was looking forward to continuing to represent the club.

Lafleur, who played with the Canadiens from 1971 to 1985, has been a harsh and public critic of the team at times, brow-beating players and management for their shortcomings.

Last year, he ripped into Guy Carbonneau for his coaching style and ex-general manager Bob Gainey for not fostering team spirit. A month later Carbonneau was turfed as coach. Gainey resigned toward the end of the season.

Now Lafleur says the Habs are as talented as they've been in years.

"The Canadiens can compete with any team as long as the 20 players are playing together," he said.

"So far, we've seen good things. Carey Price is doing well in nets. He has the quality and potential to get the team a win. But the other Canadiens players need to do their part to back him up."

Lafleur is one of five Canadiens ambassadors, along with Jean Beliveau, Henri Richard, Yvan Cournoyer and Rejean Houle.